The NFL playoffs kick into high gear this Sunday with a blockbuster NFC Wild Card matchup as the San Francisco 49ers (12-5) travel to face the Philadelphia Eagles (11-6) at Lincoln Financial Field. The game, scheduled for 4:30 p.m. EST on FOX, is a rematch of last season's NFC Championship game and a regular-season clash from December. The Eagles enter as 4.5-point favorites according to BetMGM odds.
Team Form and Historical Context
Both teams are looking to rebound from disappointing losses in their regular-season finales. The 49ers fell 13-3 at home to the Seattle Seahawks, a result that cost them the NFC's top seed and dropped them to the No. 6 spot. The Eagles lost 24-17 to the Washington Commanders after head coach Nick Sirianni opted to rest several starters, including quarterback Jalen Hurts, with playoff positioning already decided.
Historically, San Francisco leads the series 21-15-1. Their most recent meeting was a decisive 42-19 victory for the 49ers in Philadelphia on December 3, 2023, where quarterback Brock Purdy threw for 314 yards and four touchdowns. However, the memory of the 2022 NFC Championship game, a 31-7 Eagles rout, still lingers. That game saw both 49ers quarterbacks, Purdy and Josh Johnson, leave with injuries, paving Philadelphia's path to Super Bowl 57.
Key Players and Matchups to Watch
All eyes will be on the offensive stars. For San Francisco, running back Christian McCaffrey is the engine. He amassed a phenomenal 2,126 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns this season, making him the only NFL player to surpass 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns. His 102 receptions are a 49ers record since 2002.
Philadelphia counters with reigning Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts, who is well-rested. In the 2025 regular season, he accounted for 3,224 passing yards, 421 rushing yards, and 33 total touchdowns. His seven passing touchdowns of 30+ yards led the league.
The critical battle will be the 49ers' prolific offense against the Eagles' stingy defense. San Francisco's unit, ranked 7th overall, sputtered last week. They now face an Eagles defense that allowed a league-low 14 passing touchdowns and the best opponent completion rate (56.8%). How McCaffrey fares against Philadelphia's interior defensive linemen Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis, who combined for 34 run stops and 6 batted passes, will be pivotal.
Injury Report and Team Statistics
The 49ers have several health concerns. Linebacker Tatum Bethune (groin) is out. Key players like tackle Trent Williams (hamstring) and receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee/ankle) did not practice Wednesday and are being evaluated. Safety Ji'Ayir Brown (rib) is day-to-day.
For the Eagles, linebacker Nakobe Dean (hamstring) expects to play. The status of star right tackle Lane Johnson (foot), a limited practice participant, remains uncertain for Sunday.
Statistically, the 49ers boast the NFL's best third-down conversion rate (49.8%) and a top-10 scoring offense. However, their pass defense ranks 25th. The Eagles excel in the red zone, leading the league with a 70.5% touchdown rate. Their +6 turnover differential contrasts sharply with the 49ers' -6. Philadelphia has also been dominant at home, winning five straight playoff games and going 24-6 in their last 30 games at Lincoln Financial Field.
